NORTH STRABANE, Pa. — A mother and son accused of stealing $14,000 worth of jewelry from neighbors' homes in North and South Strabane were arraigned Tuesday, and both maintained their innocence.
According to police, Pam Cessna and her son, Nicholas Cessna, are facing 14 felony burglary charges.
“I don’t know why they’re charging me with any of this,” Nicholas Cessna said as he left his hearing Tuesday.
“We’ve seen a lot of co-conspirators over time, but I can’t say this isn’t unusual. Sometimes family members engage in the family business, even though it might be criminal,” Assistant District Attorney Mike Lucas said.
Investigators said the Cessnas are accused of breaking into at least three homes and then selling the stolen goods together.
Police said they also caught Pam Cessna forging thousands of dollars worth of checks.
“I’m not guilty of any of these crimes,” Pam Cessna said. “You’ll have to talk to me after I prove that I’m innocent.”
The case was continued. They both face a preliminary hearing next month.